I think the rail is a stupid idea, lucky for me I don't have to worry about 1 or 2 piece since we have the rear bench option here, so only the pointless front rail for me and a far more useful rear bench for the back.

 

I also think the rail is totally stupid. I've been waiting to purchase a Countryman (in spite of the rail) until the rear bench seat becomes available here, but now I'm seriously thinking about getting a GTI instead and then revisiting the Countryman in 3 or 4 years. Maybe Mini will eliminate the rail when it gives the R60 a facelift.

 

If you have the rear bench seat, the rail isn't an issue anyway. It's just the front, and if you have the armrest installed, you don't even have to think of it as a rail...just as a nice accent that is lit up at night, since there's no room for any accessories anyway. Just ditch or eBay the accessories.

 

In terms of comfort, how's the rear bench seat?

 

In appearance not bad, but not as good as the rear bucket option, as there is not as much support on the seats and not as much adjustability. Now of course thats only going by pictures (and reports) as they aren't available here yet.

 

Jason it's much like the rear bench in any other 5 door hatch, probably not as nice as the 2 seat option, but I've not sat in one of those.

 

This made my day!

 

Thanks, but don't encourage me.

It was the when maximized by its presence (in full form) is still not that impressive that pushed it over the edge and gave me a mental image I'm still trying to forget.

 

I'm glad I could provide some unintentional humor

 

Full rail here. I use the two cup holders and hooks as close to the front as possible. I hang a garbage bag on the passenger side and can reach it from the front. Also the front most cup holder is accessible. With full sized people in the rear seats the cup holders being between the seats are cramped and not easy to get to. No kids climbing over and the car seats for the grand kids are in the wifes car. I haven't had to slide anything behind the seats yet and the rail will limit that effort.

Has anyone removed the front arm rest yet? That was my big mistake. It is in the way when down and in the way when up. My wife had to have it, but doesn't used it anyway. You'd think after 41 years I would stop listening.

Bill

 

So it sounds like you're a fan of the full rail and not a fan of the arm rest correct?